Recent Posts
Winter in Mackinaw 2011
I had to attend a safety meeting at one of our customers up North, so we checked the weather, called the school and kept James out a day, and took him on a quick up North trip to see the Straights of Mackinaw frozen in winter.
I had been up here before in the winter, usually January or February, but I think this was a first for the family being up here, even though it was only for a little while. For the most part, everything was closed except for the souvenir shops outside the Fort, (a couple restaurants, and the Holiday Inn Express were also open). We did not cross the bridge because of the high winds and lack of time but I think James understands why we go up North in the summer and not the winter.
A Fun Snow Day 2011
A blistering cold Michigan Saturday did not stop James from having some winter time fun. He built a snow fort, then had a blast demolishing it. He made snow angels and snow balls, but had difficulty getting the snow to stick for a genuine snowman. He was visited by Swiper (the squirrel that can be seen in the neighbors tree, James named him after Swiper the Fox from the Dora cartoon series because he looks alot like the fox (he’s a big squirrel). It appears that we were the only two human beings outside this day, I don’t know if that’s a statement about us or about the neighborhood but eventually we just said no more being a prisoner of a Michigan winter.
Happy New Year 2011
James’ New Year Eve started New Year Eve Eve with a trip to Toy’s R Us for a second shopping spree, this one courtesy of Grandma. James picked up two toys, the first was a Sponge Bob playdoh set which is really cool because you create Spongebob and when you are finished you can use the accessories and have a sort of sponge bob potato head type toy, tough to explain. The other was another robot that he added to his hotwheel set. This robot picks the car up and flings it 90 degrees in a different direction.
As the day went on James, Mom and Dad took a trip down the block to see the big tree decorated on Tulane and Lehigh, then returned to watch the New Year celebration with Dick Clarke. James had noise makers and those “pull a string and they pop with confetti” things so he had a blast shooting them off outside while fireworks went off throughout the night. Needless to say James slept in the next day but he had simply a great Holiday vacation and we are looking forward to him doing big things this year in school.
Christmas 2010
James stayed up very late Christmas Eve waiting for Santa, finally falling asleep in the living room. The cats actually beat him to the punch when they surrounded their Christmas sock early christmas morning while James slept in. When he finally did wake up Christmas Day Santa had arrived and put many presents under the tree for James. Mom wore her “Bumble” slippers for the morning festivities (Bumble is the abominable snowman from Rudolph and a favorite of James). James decided to open and play with each toy rather than opening them all at once so he was still unwrapping gifts hours later, keeping Mom and Dad busy assembling toys and taking out the wrappings. Mom kept everyone happy with ham, casserole, and deviled eggs throughout the day and Jame’s was very happy with the gifts he received from everyone and we all wanted to take the time and thanks everyone for making this a very special Christmas!
Artist At Work 2010
James got a pack of construction paper with some bottle money he had saved, and the first project he did was re-create the picture on the front of the package. James showed a lot of patience and work as he got the exact colors and drew the figures. Neither Mary nor myself are very good artist’s but I know both his Grandma and Grandpa Kleiber (could draw a very good popeye) were excellent in drawing so maybe talent skips a generation.
Mom and Dad thought enough of his effort that we framed the picture for him. Now he has an artist easel and he is making the most out of it. Do we have an artist in the making?
Christmas Eve 2010
James had a busy day Christmas Eve, he opened his first gift from Aunt Criss and Uncle Ken in the morning, then headed out for a brief roadtrip. The first stop was Aunt Peg’s house where we exchanged gifts. Aunt Peg’s visitor parking area was full so we had to park where we weren’t supposed to. James got $$$ from Aunt Peg and wanted markers so we stopped and let him have a little spending spree. After that we went to the China buffet for lunch, James was pretty good there, then we headed to Grandma’s (who parking lot also was full). Grandma also gave James $$$ to spend but he will have to wait till after Christmas for his second spending spree.
After Halloween Sale 2010
There was after Halloween sales everywhere, in some cases Halloween decorations were 90% off. Mary takes advantage of this each year and gets Dad’s birthday gifts a little early, (last year we got the skeleton peanut vendor after Halloween from Walmarts). Hopefully not too many people realize the savings so that we can continue to save each year. Only problem is you have to wait a year to use the stuff but we think it’s worth the wait. Besides, there is no way we could afford to pay the retail price on this stuff, it adds up quickly.
Trick or Treat 2010
This year James got to wear two costumes, the first for school was the skeleton for the school parade and the main costume was Woody from Toy Story 3 which he used to go Trick or Treating. We were concerned that James might lose the hat for the Woody costume at the school parade and also james was more fond of the Woodie costume.
Dad took James trick or treating while Mom handed out candy. Aunt Peg who usually hands out candy was not available this year because she was recovering from the leg injury she got this past summer. James did a great haul this year and the weather was perfect for trick or treating.
Hoover Elementary Halloween Parade 2010
James had a big day Friday, the 29th of Oct, when he got to dress up in his Halloween costume to go to school. James was pretty excited the night before and did not sleep well, in the morning he was yawning and was somewhat sluggish while watching Curious George. This is actually not what he will be wearing on Halloween (he will be Woody from Toy Story but we were very concerned the high winds might blow away Woody’s cowboy hat at the parade). The parade took place around the school and it appeared everyone was very well dressed. James looked surprised and somewhat in awe at the festivities, this was the first parade he has ever been in (he has seen several) and was a little shy, but he soon got into the swing of things, waving to his adoring public. Later in the day they had a Halloween party for just the students and James came home with many Halloween decorations he made in class.
Most of the decorations for Halloween are up, but not a lot outside yet (we had pretty heavy winds so none of the inflatables are up yet, they will go up Halloween morning if the weather permits). Weather is forecasting rain on Halloween so we have made preparations for other activities if Jame’s trick or treating is shortened.
Gearing Up For Halloween & Parade 2010
October is a big deal for the family as the Halloween decorations come out and get set up, this year we planted a pumpkin patch in the back and it outgrew the garden, however it is paying dividends and we have gotten a couple pumpkins already out of our own back yard. Last year Mary went out and bought my birthday gifts the day after Halloween and she got great deals on a bunch of cool decorations so this year we are reaping the benefits of her fore sight. She plans on doing the same this year. James has been a much bigger help this year, participating more in the decorating and giving his input on where he wants things. The ghost that floats across the window is entirely James idea, and he seems to be more “gentle” with the props where as in years past we would find them taken apart due to his curiosity.
Anyhow we got a good jump on the Halloween season and uploaded some pictures and videos that you might enjoy seeing. New this year is a fogger that blows bubbles full of fog. When the bubble bursts, it lets out fog and really looks cool.
